Different Types Of Foundations

Today let us look at the different kinds of foundations that are available on the market.

Clockwise from top left:

Liquid Foundation These usually come in bottles and tubes. The coverage can range from super sheer to full. Thanks to their liquid texture, liquid foundations are easy to blend and the coverage can be built up gradually. Another great thing is that you can mix two different shades together to get the perfect match. Liquid foundations also create the most natural-looking finish and are suitable for all types of skin.

Cream Foundation These usually come in compacts and jars and work best on dry skin. They tend to have a slightly heavier texture and provide higher coverage compared to liquid foundations. Remember to apply sparingly when it comes to cream foundations as a little goes a long way. They are also great for achieving the dewy look.

Cream-To-Powder Foundation Unlike cream foundations, cream-to-powder foundations actually dry to a powdery finish. In other words, they tend to create a matte look. Cream-to-powder foundations are good for people with combination skin.

Stick Foundation These are similar to cream foundations but provide an even heavier coverage. One thing I like about stick foundations is their practicability. Stick foundations are great for traveling and they can double as concealers as well. The downside is that most of them tend to contain oil and can clog your pores more easily. If you have acne-prone skin, I suggest you to steer clear of them.

Powder Foundation These usually come in compacts and are great for creating the matte look or for touch-ups. They can even be used dry or wet for more coverage (depending on the product) and work best on oily skin. Like stick foundations, powder foundations are very convenient and easy to use. If you have dry skin, try to limit the use of a powder foundation to touch-ups only. Putting powder on your dry skin would only accentuate wrinkles and flakes.

Mineral Foundation These are made out of crushed minerals extracted from the Earth and are free of preservatives, talc, oil, fragrance and other harmful chemicals. They usually come in loose powder form and provide medium to high coverage. They also tend to do less harm to your skin and you can even sleep in some. Mineral foundations are good for people with very sensitive skin or those who suffer from acne or rosacea. The downside of mineral makeup, however, is that they might be a little too dry for those with dry skin. Another thing about mineral makeup is that you have to get the right brush and it does take practice to master the basic “swirl, tap and buff” process.

Tinted Moisturizer These are not really foundations per se, more like moisturizers with just a slight tint of color to even out your skin. They provide the sheerest coverage out of all foundations and are great for those who are blessed with flawless skin or want light coverage.

hi,i’m shenaz..i’m an indian.i have dry skin with yellow undertone.lately i tried out lauramercier tinted moisturiser in almond..but then i felt it was too sheer for me.it was only acting as a moisturiser for me.now i wud like to go for a fuller coverage.is silk creme foundation good?or shud i go for laura mercier’s moisturising liquid foundation.help me..plz!

first of all congrats for a wonderful site.i am an Indian.i have dry skin with yellow undertone.i wud like to go for a foundation that offers full coverage with a natural look.i have been using laura mercier’s tinted moisturizer in almond..but it was too sheer..maybe the color was so blended into my skin..i just felt it was a moisturizer.what is ur opinion about silk creme or shud i go for laura’s moisturizing liquid foundation?..help me plz.

I LOVE bare minerals, although there is a trick to apply it. first use the Skin Re-ver Upper or a moisterizerright b4 u apply itand put no the foundation whenn the moisterizer or re-ver upper is sitll somehwat wet/sticky. and gives a beautiful finish and isn’t dry at all. and deff. use the mineral viel.btw, teh rev-er upper is by bare escentuals nd comes with the start kit at sephora.

i LOVE bareMinerals. actually, theres a trick to applying it. DOn’t just apply it. first apply a moisterizer udner it or the Skin Re-ver Upper by bareEscentuals (it comes in teh getting started kit at Sephora). the trick is to apply the mineral foundation right after applying the moisterizer or rever upper while it’s sitll a little tacky/sticky. the miernal foundation kinda blends into it giving you a much better almost dewey finish that works well on both oily and dry skin.